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Survey Shows the Transformative Impact of Bible Reading & Reflection on Churches
A recent survey of churches by the Willow Creek Association shows the transformative impact of Bible reading and reflection on churchesand the impact of Scripture Unions Essential 100 (E100) Bible reading program on their spiritual vitality. Dissatisfied with the level and rate of spiritual growth among its members, the Willow Creek Association of Churches implemented a Spiritual Life Survey among 1,500 churches across the US. The survey identified congregations along a scale from struggling to high energy with the goal of discovering how best to activate greater spiritual growth in their congregants.

Most Powerful Catalyst Discovered

The common models of activating spiritual growth such as getting people involved in church activities (attending worship, participating in small groups, serving the needy) or sharpening their beliefs (salvation by grace, the authority of the Bible, person of Christ) were helpful but not the most effective vehicles for producing evidence of spiritual growth. The most powerful catalyst for moving people through stages of spiritual growth, the survey revealed, was reading and reflection on scripture. The study surveyed churches of varying sizes and denominations (including urban, rural and suburban churches). For purposes of the survey, church members were grouped into four categories: Exploring Christ Growing in Christ Close to Christ Christ Centered Believe in God, but not sure about Christ. Believe in Jesus, but are learning what that means. Depend on Jesus daily. Relationship with Jesus is most important to them.

The churches surveyed had an average of 10% of their members in category #1, 40% in category #2 and 25% in each of the last two categories. The survey also indentified four basic groups of possible catalysts that would help people grow spiritually and move to the next category: BELIEFS & ATTITUDES -- Salvation by Grace, The Trinity, Personal God, Authority of the Bible, Christ is First, Identity in Christ, Giving Away My Life, and Stewardship CHURCH ACTIVITIES -- Weekend Services, Small Groups, Serving the Church, Serving Those in Need (with the church), Bible Classes, and Midweek Services

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SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES WITH OTHERS -- Spiritual Friendships, Evangelism, Spiritual Mentors, and Serving Those in Need (on my own). SPIRITUAL PRACTICES -- Reflection on Scripture, Bible Reading, Prayer for Guidance, Prayer to Confess Sins, Tithing, Journaling and Solitude Contrary to what might have been expected, the survey showed that it was not participation in church activities or sharpening personal beliefs that were the most effective catalysts of spiritual growth, but reflection on scriptureby a wide margin.

Struggling Churches Revitalized

Six churches, also of varying sizes and locations that had been characterized as struggling were selected for a special study, beginning in 2009. These churches scored low on their scale of spiritual vitality. Over 70% of their members were in the first two categories Exploring Christ and Growing in Christ even though 2/3 of the congregation had been attending these churches for over 10 years. The goal of this special study was to determine if having their members spend more time reflecting on Scripture would increase the churchs vitality by strengthening their members relationship with Christ. They surveyed the congregations first in 2009 and 18 months later. The major results showed that: Congregants across all stages of their spiritual journey in those six churches MORE THAN DOUBLED their daily Bible reading. All increased in their satisfaction with spiritual growth. There was an increase in their belief in a personal God. Members dissatisfaction with their church decreased. The likelihood for members to leave that church decreased.

The Common Tool for Growth

What was the one thing these six churches had in common? They all used the same program during that 18 month period to promote reading and reflection on scripture: THE ESSENTIAL 100 (E100) BIBLE READING CHALLENGE. This easy to use Bible reading plan covers 100 readings 50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament. Most passages are just 1-2 chapters long, just the right amount for a busy person to read in a few minutes. The Essential 100 Challenge Guide (shown here) provides reflection questions and life
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application suggestions, also. Its a great way to develop a Bible reading hunger and habit among a congregation-and, as the Willow Creek study showed, its a great way to promote real spiritual growth in a church, too.

A Spiritual Shot in the Arm

If your church needs a spiritual shot in arm and a catalyst for spiritual growth, the E100 Challenge may be what God will use for your people, too. For more information on the E100 Challenge, visit www.E100challenge.com. More information on Scripture Unions guides for daily Bible reading and reflection is available on this website or by calling 1-800-621-LAMP (5267).

This information was based on the REVEAL Spiritual Life Survey with over 250,000 people. For more information go to the WILLOW CREEK ASSOCIATION web site at www.willowcreek.com Or for more information about the study MOVE: What 1,000 Churches Reveal about Spiritual Growth by Hawkins and Parkinson, visit http://www.willowcreek.com/move/.